Qantas Sets Mid-2028 Launch for the First Nonstop Flights Between Sydney and New York

Qantas has confirmed that it will begin nonstop service between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, the second route in its long-planned Project Sunrise program of ultra-long-haul flights. It would be the first nonstop commercial link between Australia and the New York area. CEO Vanessa Hudson said the trip should take about 18 hours, cutting roughly three hours from the fastest current itinerary.

The flights will use the Airbus A350-1000ULR, a version fitted with an extra fuel tank that gives it a range of more than 16,000 kilometers. According to industry reports, Qantas expects to take delivery of 12 of the aircraft starting in April 2027, each configured with 238 seats across four cabins. Daily Sydney-London service is scheduled to start first, in October 2027, with the New York route following months later. Reports indicate ticket sales are expected to open in August 2027, and fares have not been announced.

For New York travelers the announcement promises a nonstop alternative to the one-stop itineraries that connect the city with Australia today. The airline announced the New York date about three months after naming the London launch window, having said in June that the New York timeline would be confirmed later.

Reporting based on Airlinegeeks, CAPA – Centre for Aviation and regional coverage of the Qantas announcement.